[Federal Register: December 12, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 239)] [Notices] [Page 65451-65452] OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Allowances Price and Background Surveys; Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Office of Personnel Management. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) seeks comments on its intention to request a reinstatement, with change, of two previously approved information collections for which approval has expired. OPM uses the two collections--a price survey and a background survey--to gather data to be used in determining cost-of-living allowances for certain Federal employees in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The price survey is conducted generally on an annual basis. The background survey is conducted approximately once every 5 years, but the survey is also conducted on a limited basis in preparation for each of the price surveys. DATES: Submit comments on or before February 10, 1998. ADDRESSES: Comments: Send or deliver comments to Donald J. Winstead, Assistant Director for Compensation Administration, Workforce Compensation and Performance Service, Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415, or FAX comments to (202) 606-4264, or email comments over the Internet to cola@opm.gov. Copies: For copies of this proposal, contact Jim Farron at (202) 418- 3208 or by email at jmfarron@opm.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kurt M. Springmann, (202) 606-2838. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OPM is soliciting comments on the reinstatement of its Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Allowances Price and Background Surveys for an additional 3 years. As set out in Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), comments are requested to-- Evaluate whether the surveys are necessary and have practical utility; Evaluate the accuracy of the burden estimate, including the assumptions and methodological validity used in determining the burden estimate; Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and Minimize the burden on respondents. OMB approval of this information collection was originally scheduled to expire on June 30, 1997. Because of delays in conducting the price survey during the first quarter of 1997 as planned, OPM requested an emergency extension of the clearance. OMB granted an extension until September 30, 1997. Title: Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Allowances Price Survey and Background Survey. OMB Control Number: 3206-0199. Summary: The Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Allowances Price Survey is used by OPM to collect price data in the allowance areas under four cost components: consumption goods and services, transportation, housing, and miscellaneous expenses. The price survey is conducted on approximately an annual basis. The Nonforeign Area Cost-of-Living Allowances Background Survey is used by OPM to collect information to identify the services, items, quantities, outlets, and locations that will be surveyed in the annual price surveys. It is also used to collect information on local trade practices, consumer buying patterns, taxes and fees, and other economic characteristics related to living costs. The background survey is conducted approximately once every 5 years but is also used on a limited basis in preparation for each of the price surveys. Need/Use for Surveys: The price survey is necessary for collecting living-cost data used to determine cost-of-living allowances (COLA's) paid to General Schedule, U.S. Postal Service, and certain other Federal employees in the nonforeign allowance areas. The information is used to compare costs in the allowance areas with costs in the Washington, DC, area, and to derive a COLA rate when the local cost of living significantly exceeds that in the DC area. The background survey is necessary to determine the continued appropriateness of items, services, and businesses selected for the annual price surveys. OPM uses the information collected under this survey to define the sources and parameters for the price surveys and to improve the COLA methodology. Respondents: OPM will survey selected retail, service, realty, and other businesses and local governments in the nonforeign allowance areas and in the Washington, DC, area. Approximately 5,600 establishments will be contacted in the price survey and approximately 300 establishments will be contacted in the background survey. [[Page 65452]] Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden: OPM estimates that the average price survey interview will take approximately 7 minutes, for a total burden of 650 hours. The average background survey interview will take approximately 10 minutes, for a total burden of 50 hours. Office of Personnel Management. Janice R. Lachance, Director. [FR Doc. 97-32581 Filed 12-11-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6325-01-P